Virtual Ward Technologies (VWT) is at the forefront of healthcare transformation, facilitating a transition from hospital care to home-based health management. Its pioneering platform integrates advanced sensor technology, cloud computing, and medical expertise to deliver early intervention and personalised care for patients in the comfort of their own homes.
The Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (BWAGP) has supported VWT's growth, helping to transform its ambitious vision into a scalable, market-ready solution.
Professor Rhys Thomas, founder of Virtual Ward Technologies, shares insights into the company’s story and explains how BWAGP’s support has been instrumental in its success.
What inspired you to start Virtual Ward Technologies?
During the pandemic, the Welsh Government challenged us to design a ventilator for Wales. In rising to that challenge, we identified a greater need: technology that enables patients to be safely monitored at home. This would alleviate pressure on hospitals and help prevent the spread of infections. Inspired by this, we developed the Virtual Ward - a groundbreaking concept that is transforming healthcare delivery.
Our platform employs advanced wearable sensors such as Fitbit to monitor essential health metrics, including heart rate, respiratory rate, stress levels and physical activity. This data is analysed using sophisticated algorithms to identify potential risks and facilitate early interventions. Our app is called Llaw-Yn-Llaw, and our multilingual software is available in various languages, ranging from Cymraeg to Maori.
The Virtual Ward empowers people to manage their health and ensures timely, personalised support from healthcare professionals when necessary. VWT can be applied in healthcare, social care and workplace wellbeing, enhancing patient outcomes and decreasing NHS costs.
What challenges have you faced, and how has BWAGP supported you?
Our biggest challenge was being so far ahead of the market. Many doubted our solutions, so we invested heavily in R&D to build evidence and credibility. Our BWAGP Relationship Manager connected us with experts who guided us through strategic decisions, from refining our website to optimising our pricing.
Their advice has been crucial to us. BWAGP’s support has enabled us to transition from an R&D-intensive start-up to a scalable business with a market-ready product.
What difference has BWAGP made to your business?
BWAGP has helped us navigate the complex journey from innovation to commercialisation. The programme supported us in developing a professional website, which was critical as we prepared to market our system. This website established credibility and effectively showcased our solutions.
Their expert mentorship has been invaluable in navigating operational and strategic challenges. For example, their guidance on pricing strategy ensured we balanced attracting clients with sustaining growth.
Growing a business is akin to playing chess. You must constantly think two or three steps ahead. Finding strategic partners who believe in your business and offer support is invaluable in the early stages. BWAGP has provided me with that essential backing, and as a leader, I have been immensely grateful for their expert input.
What milestones are you most proud of?
Securing our first £500,000 deal is an exciting milestone, as we’ve worked hard to reach this point. We’re also proud that our system is proven to deliver results in areas as varied as social care, child obesity treatment, and cancer care. We’re now exploring applications in sports medicine. Watch this space!
What’s next for VWT?
We are poised for significant growth. We plan to expand our team in Wales, leveraging partnerships with universities and the Welsh Government. We are developing several new products and exploring export markets to drive long-term sustainability. With BWAGP’s ongoing support, we have bold ambitions to revolutionise healthcare globally.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs seeking to overcome challenges and scale their businesses?
- Focus on solving real problems that deliver both practical and economic value
- Break big challenges into smaller, manageable steps and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve
- Develop a strong network of mentors and advisors to provide guidance and support
Click here for further information on the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme.
Click here for more information about Virtual Ward Technologies.